Of all the months, January seems to get the most flack - with cold dark nights and icy mornings, it's the start of the year and we're either on diets or giving something up. Mrs Miggins refuses to give up her toy boy and evening tipple of Gin, and I've grown quite accustomed to my additional lumps and bumps, so I'm not going to be giving up my hot buttered toast anytime soon. To be honest, I'm quite enjoying this January. We've had some lovely walks, the air has been fresh and crisp and the scenery, though stark is still so beautiful. In fact, I commented on a photograph I shared recently, that no matter what mood I find myself at the start of a walk, I'm always smiling by the end, and so many of you felt the same. Here's what's new in my January so far ... would love to hear about yours?

My little shed had a frosty makeover ... and seeing Jack frost in the garden always reminds me to feed the birdies. There's a daily pecking order in my garden, between a wood pigeon, a blackbird and a little robin - so I try and sneak the robin extra when the others aren't looking :-) I've been enjoying white flowers inside the house - they seem to mirror the frost, and I find them quite calming after the vibrant colours of Christmas.

This month I reviewed an ebook I really enjoyed. The book Harris Tweed - Applique for beginners is a lovely book with some fab easy projects. It will tell you all you need to know when it comes to working with tweed - the loveliest of winter fabrics! What I love most about tweed is how it takes it's colour from it's environment ... I think this explains why it has such depth and richness to it.

I've recently inherited these beautiful baskets. They belonged to my husbands grandparents, who sadly passed away. They were wonderful people, kind and loving, and I came to love them like they were my own grandparents. Granny was a keen crafter herself, In fact my singer sewing machine once belonged to her seamstress mother I believe. I was so happy to receive their baskets and I put them to good use straightaway ... I've allocated each one a craft! One for cross stitch and embroidery, another for wool and crochet, another for patchwork and another for floristry and paper crafts!

 I've always loved handmade toys. They come to us with a story and a soul. So I was really happy to share the story of Gregory Patrick - Gregory came upon hard times and was made homeless. He began knitting and selling bears, which enabled him to survive and pay him rent. He sells them on his blog now, and also sells the pattern. I made one :-) he's absolutely adorable! I made him as a gift but I'm struggling to part with him ... I might make myself *ahem* Ralphy one.

Here is the post I wrote about him - The bear that saved a mad man knitter 

Lastly January has been all about snuggling. As soon dinner's over we'll often dive under blankets and watch whatever series we're currently addicted too (we don't have a TV but we do watch series on the laptop.) This month it's been 'The Walking Dead' .... which is incredibly gruesome, with flesh eating zombies munching their way through any human that moves (horrific, I know) and while it's not very 'wind in the willows / upstairs downstairs' I agreed to give it two episodes and now I am absolutely hooked!! and have found myself crouching on the sofa while screaming at the screen on more than one occasion! 

Stay warm poppets,

JM x